Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli were two of the most influential musicians in Jazz. The music they created in the 1930s and 40s with the Quintet du Hot Club du France remains some of the most exciting and timeless Swing Jazz ever played.

Django was a Manouche gypsy and his finely crafted melodic playing blended the music he inherited with early 20th Century Jazz, the music of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, to blaze a new trail in the realm of acoustic jazz.

After Django’s untimely death in 1953, Manouche guitarists adopted the style of their hero as their own, and the music they played came to be known as Jazz Manouche, Manouche Gypsy Swing, or simply Gypsy Jazz. Through them it has continued to survive and flourish, and today there are many musicians and groups around the world devoted to this music.

Among these is Australian group Mystery Pacific. Its members share a love for this music and they have a mission statement to ‘to filter the genius of Django through our own cultural influences and modern inflections to produce a uniquely identifiable style that still has its roots in Manouche Jazz’. They take the compositions of Django as their canon, together with 20th Century standards and their own original material.

Mystery Pacific released their first CD, recorded live at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

23.5.07

After the huge success last year, ‘Africanissimo 2’ is back, bringing music and dance from Sierra Leone, the Republic of Congo, songs from Zimbabwe and a cultural presentation from Uganda.

The Congolese Dancers, a high energy Congolese dance group will perform spectacular traditional N’Dombolo and Efrakata dances.

The N'Dombolo is a fast variation of the Soukous, an original style of traditional African music specific to the Congo region. N’Dombolo was made popular by the `chegues’, street kids from Kinshasa, the dance steps are like disjointed limp movements. N’Dombolo dance floors at discotheques in Africa and Europe are alive with the N’Dombolo fever. This form of music and dance has been further popularised by Wenga Musica and Werra Son.

These 8 energetic young dancers have been thrilling audiences in Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast.

The Sierra Leone Cultural Dance Group, of 8 young performers has been presented at many events in and around Brisbane, including Liberian, Eritrean, Harvest and Bulimba Festivals and the Queensland Multicultural Festival. For ‘Africanissimo 2’, the performances will include traditional dancing, singing and a demonstration of native musical instruments including Kelei, Shaking Shergbureh and drums. Joseph Emmanuel Matovu, musician, dancer and storyteller will be presenting a cultural profile on Uganda.

Jordan Mapfumo is an upcoming recording artist and producer of contemporary Gospel and inspirational music, and has participated in several musical events in Zimbabwe. He co-wrote and produced a gospel album for another Zimbabwe artist and is currently working on his own recording project. He is inspired by artists including Oliver Mtukudzi, Salif Keita, Hugh Masekela, Israel Houghton and Fred Hammond. Joining him on stage are two other musical talents, guitarist, Colin and singer, Ruth. This combination will no doubt create a wonderful mix of music for all to enjoy.

22.5.07

Dancing Tiger Presents...Dance of Colours( Ipswich)2 day workshop and concert weekend over the Queens Birthday long weekend (9-10 June) A kaleidoscope of dance from around the globe starring local, national and International performers Come along and join us for a wonderful night of cultural performances showcasing;Australian Indigenous singing Middle Eastern Dance Tribal Belly Dance Modern Belly Dance Live drumming Polynesian Dance Indian Dance / Bollywood Pois Feast on sumptuous Middle Eastern Food from Fed Up Deli and Cafe or find an exotic bargain in our wonderful Bazaar For bookings phone 32887077 or visit www.dancingtiger.com.au

This concert is made possible thanks to support from Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government's GCB Fund and Multicultural Affairs Queensland.

We look forward to your active participation in this significant cultural activity.CONTACT SWARA MOHINI A non-profit special interest group dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts in and around Brisbane, Australia.